Having goldens in our
home, I am sure we all have the most important "ball"...whether
it be a tennis ball or a rubber ball. Please read this
article below...it is so very sad and something that definitely
needs to be addressed. I know I immediately threw the two
that I have out ASAP. I am hoping that the beloved KONG
will never cause this problem...my one golden can't live without
it! It also goes to show that accidents can happen so
quickly. Please monitor your goldens during their play
time...they count on us to help them stay out of trouble and
danger.
On June 22, 2008 , my 10-year old lab mix, Chai, sustained a
severe injury from a product that the company Four Paws, Inc.,
produces.
The toy I'm referencing is the pimple ball with bell (Item
#20227-001, UPC Code #0 4566320227 9).
While chewing on the toy, a vacuum was created and it
effectively sucked his tongue into the hole in the ball.
From speaking with my vet, this likely occurred because there is
not a second hole in the ball preventing the vacuum effect from
happening. I became aware of this when Chai approached a
friend at my home whimpering with the ball in his mouth.
She tried unsuccessfully to remove the ball but the tongue had
swollen and could not be released.
Chai was taken to the Animal Medical Center (an emergency care
facility in New York City ) and was treated by Dr. Nicole
Spurlock to have the ball removed. Because the size of the
opening on the ball was so small, all circulation to his tongue
was cut off. The doctors had to sedate him in order to remove
it. Once the ball was removed, his tongue swelled to the point
that he could no longer put it in his mouth. Chai was sent home
with care instructions and to be observed overnight for any
changes. By the following morning,
Chai's tongue had swollen even more.
This
is the dogs tongue not the Toy!
He was taken to his regular vet, Dr. Timnah
Lee, for treatment. He was admitted and kept sedated for a period of three
days during which time they were treating his wounds and waiting to
determine how much of his tongue could be saved. On June 26, 2008 , Chai had
his tongue amputated.
He was kept in after-care for an additional three days. On Sunday, June
29th, I brought Chai home from the vet with a barrage of home care
instructions, to last for an additional 7 days. His next visit was to have
his mouth re-examined and have the feeding tube in his neck removed.
To date, my veterinary bills total over $5,000 and I will have regular
follow up appointments for some time. Additionally, Chai now requires a much
more expensive form of food because of this injury, averaging approximately
$200 per month. Additionally, I now have to re-teach my dog to eat, drink
and adjust to life without his tongue.
I sent this information along to Four Paws,
Inc., and it is their position that there just aren't enough instances to do
anything about this.
